Judge accepts guilty pleas in State v. Tabitha Adams; sentences suspended to probation with zero-tolerance drug condition

A Dixon County judge on the docket accepted guilty pleas from Tabitha Adams in case 2025CR167 after the state and defense described an agreement amending two counts to class C attempted child abuse and leaving three counts as misdemeanor child abuse. Under the plea, counts 1 and 2 were amended to class C felony attempted child abuse with an agreed sentence of six years suspended to supervised probation; counts 3–5 carry sentences of 11 months and 29 days each, suspended to probation. All sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

Prosecutor (Miss Smith) told the court that five children listed in the indictment had tested positive for controlled substances including methamphetamine, and that Ms. Adams also tested positive; the state said hair and urinalysis results and the circumstances supported the agreement. The prosecutor summarized the disposition on the record and asked the court to accept the plea.

The judge placed the defendant under oath, explained the constitutional rights being waived by a guilty plea and asked if the plea was voluntary. The judge stated, "I do know that five children who've been exposed to drugs, can't be an accident," and described his duty to ensure there was a factual basis before accepting any plea. The judge accepted the pleas and pronounced the agreed sentences, emphasizing there would be a 0‑tolerance rule for failed drug screens and that a violation of probation in these matters would result in serving the full sentence.

Defense counsel completed the plea paperwork and confirmed the defendant had an opportunity to discuss the charges and consequences. The prosecutor indicated its business in that matter was concluded. The judge closed the matter after confirming that the defendant understood the agreement and the consequences of violating probation.